Album Review

This trio date focuses exclusively on originals by this very underrated pianist, joined by bassist Mike Richmond and drummer Billy Hart. The intense and aptly named "Spiral" features some virtuoso playing by Richmond, as does the racehorse "Tall Boys." LaVerne's playing is especially notable on the dark ballad "Cream Puff" and the two takes of "Straight For Life." The only gripe is the unnecessary addition of a synthesizer to the opening of "Spiral," which was evidently deemed so insignificant that its presence was omitted from the instrumentation listed.

Biography

Born: 04 December 1947 in New York, NY

Genre: Jazz

Years Active: '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s

A fine keyboardist who has ranged in styles from Bill Evans to Chick Corea and fusion, Andy LaVerne has managed to avoid predictability throughout his career. He began studying as a classical piano student at Juilliard when he was eight. After discovering jazz, LaVerne had some important lessons from Bill Evans. He toured with Woody Herman's big band (1973-1975), played with John Abercrombie, and Miroslav Vitous, and was with Stan Getz's group during 1977-1980, often playing electric piano. In the...